It’s easy to appreciate others from afar. What a game changer it would be if people shared their thoughts of admiration and appreciation out loud with each other! Words are incredibly powerful. You could change the course of someone’s day, week or even (not to be too dramatic) their life.

Going through my divorce was the most arduous time in my life. I felt unworthy of God’s love. I felt like I had failed my parents. I was overwhelmed with guilt about what my sweet, young babies were about to go through. I was unsure of my future and feeling utterly devastated at the turn my life had taken. It’s nearly impossible to pull out of that tarpit by yourself.

Thankfully, there are human beings in the world created with beautiful hearts and armed with kind words.

I was shopping for groceries with my girls. A woman I have never met approached me and said, “I hope this won’t freak you out but I’ve been watching you with your girls. You’re a great Mom. I just felt like I needed to tell you.” I just stared at her for what seemed like an eternity and then I burst into tears. I told her how much it meant to me and shared a small bit of my story. We hugged and she shed tears with me. Two perfect strangers in the middle of the produce isle, hugging and crying. All because she decided to speak what she felt.

Believe me, a compliment was the last thing I thought I deserved but it was tremendously impactful. It was my game changer. I’m not saying it was solid ground from that day forward. There were plenty more moments in the tarpit but I held my head up a little higher after that encounter. The power of compassion and the bravery to share, even when it’s a bit awkward, was the small spark I needed.

If you feel the tug on your heart to speak to someone, DO IT! You never know what they are going through. Your words of appreciation, affirmation or just genuine kindness may be exactly what that person needs. Why not let it be you to give them such a magnificent gift? Be a blessing and speak life into someone today!

See this young lady? She’s my daughter. She is currently attending college to be an early childhood education teacher. She’s going to be one of the best. She has an incredible heart for kids. She is gifted with unending patience and a gentleness that you cannot teach. She values what children have to offer and understands that sometimes students can teach the adults a thing or two!

Oklahoma students deserve a future teacher like her.

My daughter and I have already had many conversations about her options when she graduates. I’m sad to say, I’ve told her she should consider leaving the state (or teach with me at HH!). I know the OK legislature just passed the bill for teacher raises (whole other can of worms with that one) but this is about more than a decent salary. This is about her being able to actually have the resources and means to teach her students. She will need pencils and paper that she doesn’t have to pay for out of her own pocket or beg and plead parents to donate. She must have books that are not falling apart, or so old they are irrelevant, so she can teach them how to read. She will need chairs and tables that don’t look like they have been through a war. She must have class sizes that are reasonable. 30 children in an early childhood classroom is absurd!

I want her to be able to come home from work without feeling defeated. She will pour her heart out, giving all she’s got to those kids but at the end of EVERY day, it will never seem like it is enough. She will look at those sweet faces and know they deserve so much better. Then, when the weight is just too much, when her heart finally breaks because of one more budget cut or snide remark about “you get the summer off” or “you knew what you signed up for”, she will leave the state and possibly the profession all together. It’s already happening in droves. What a tragedy!

As a Mom, I am so proud of her for following her heart. I want her to be happy, fulfilled, valued and appreciated. As an educator, I’m anxious and worried that if she stays in Oklahoma and teaches in public school, it will crush her. This state is losing the battle and it needs a major wake up call. Come April 2nd, the “phone” will start ringing. Let’s see if anyone picks up.

If husband appreciation posts annoy you, just keep scrolling. I’m gonna take a minute to brag on mine.

He’s amazing. I don’t mean in a starry, goo goo eyes kind of way. I mean in a down in the trenches, get the job done, I got this, kind of way.

Before I had my surgery he prepped. He washed sheets so I would have a clean bed when I came home. He went the store and stocked up so he wouldn’t have to leave me to get anything.

After surgery, he made sure I had my pain meds at the right times. He cooked me anything I was craving. He made me breakfast, lunch and dinner. Everyday. He brought me water and tea. He would come and check on me about every 20 minutes, just in case I needed anything.

He took care of everything. He cleaned. He did laundry. He fed our zoo (including children). All while trying to do his job at the same time. He never once grumbled or complained. Not once.

We’ve been married almost 11 years now. I have never doubted that he loves me. We say “I love you” to each other all the time. In fact, we never get off the phone or leave the house without doing so. But saying it is the easy part.

In the last 2 weeks, he showed me. Over and over and over again. I am so grateful to him. Not just for taking care of me and all the day to day stuff but for the example he is to my daughters of what a husbands heart should be.

It’s hard to imagine that, in just 2 short months, my youngest will be graduating from high school.

Ashlee was a challenge when she was an infant. She didn’t want anyone to take care of her but me. We spent many nights sitting in a rocking chair together. She was always my girl. Anytime I would need to run an errand, no matter how boring, she was the 1st to jump up and volunteer to go with me. She ate nothing but chicken nuggets and ketchup for what seems like 3 years. She still often choses chicken fingers when we eat out.

As I have watched her grow, she has changed physically but her soul is the same. She is a devoted and loyal friend. She is practical and rational about her choices. When she was about 12, she put every dime of her birthday money ($112) into the offering plate to help build a well for clean water in Africa. She didn’t even tell me she did it. I found out later from her sister. When I asked her about it, she said, “Those people need clean water more than anything I need.”

She loves kids. Especially the littles. Watching her unending patience, compassion and unconditional love she pours out on them makes my heart soar. She is a beautiful person, inside and out. I have no doubt that she will change the lives of the children in her future classroom. I am honored to call her my daughter.

On March 7th, I had a hysterectomy. Several of you shared with me your experiences after having your hysterectomy and I appreciate your willingness to share. However, many of you said that you were up & about a mere 2 days afterward. Some claimed they were vacuuming and doing dishes, laundry, etc.

Y’all. No.

You have a memory issue. Ya know, like when you have a baby and it’s the most painful thing ever but a few months later someone asks you about your labor and you’re like “oh it wasn’t bad at all!” You all have that.

This hurts. I feel like a was in a fight with Muhammad Ali. I am filled with air and slowly getting rid of it but when I pass gas, I also pee myself. No one mentioned that part. My biggest accomplishment so far…I walked to the bathroom without holding on to my husband.

So, in conclusion…y’all have no idea what you’re talking about. But I love you anyway. Time for a pain pill.

Oh man, I’m tired.
Today wore me out.
How many times can I say,
“Please, don’t shout.”
We read lots of books
written by Dr. Seuss,
But if I read one more
my head will pop loose!
Today was great fun!
Happy birthday, Dr. S.
But I’m glad it’s over
’cause I need some rest!

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About Me

Hi, I’m Stephany!

I’m a mom of 2 daughters, happily married to my hubby, James. We have a ludicrous amount of animals. I eat chocolate cake for breakfast because life is just too short not to. I sing a lot. I teach Kindergarten. I love Jesus and know I am hopelessly lost without Him or a GPS.

If you are looking for a place to have a giggle, find an easy recipe, need a reminder that it’s ok to make a mistake, or just need a break from laundry, I’m your gal.